The Highland Council's winter service officially begins on Wednesday, 14 October, with preparations in place to treat the 6,787km of roads under its jurisdiction. The council is also encouraging community groups to apply for its Winter Resilience Programme to secure grit bins for their local areas.
Councillor Ken Gowans, Chair of the Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, stated that supplies and resources are ready to deliver the winter service in accordance with Council policy. Gritting services will operate Monday to Sunday, from 6am to 9pm, on a priority basis, with a restricted service provided on public holidays starting at 7am. There is no overnight service.
Councillor Gowans highlighted the council's commitment within its resources and policy, encouraging communities to come forward for winter resilience assistance. This programme provides salt for grit bins or heaps, along with other equipment, enabling local action in areas important to residents.
Community groups, volunteer organisations, and individuals seeking more information or wishing to access the Winter Resilience Programme can contact their Area Roads Office via email. Details are available on the Council’s website.
The Council has confirmed adequate salt stocks of approximately 35,000 tonnes for the start of the winter season, with no concerns regarding future deliveries from its supplier. The winter resources include a fleet of over 100 gritters, footpath tractors, and more than 200 staff.
Councillor Gowans also issued a warning to drivers, noting that salting may not prevent roads from icing up in extreme sub-zero conditions, particularly on low-traffic roads where vehicle movements are insufficient to aid salt-ice interaction. He urged drivers to be extra careful in such conditions.
Drivers are advised to consider prevailing weather and road conditions, as winter weather in the Highlands can be highly localised. Dangers such as black ice, which can persist even after treatment, and dawn frosts, which can form on wet or damp roads due to rapid heat radiation, should be noted.
Area Winter Service Plans are established by Area Committees, aligned with Council strategy and budget allocated by the Economy and Infrastructure Committee. Trunk roads in Highland are managed by Transport Scotland and its operators, Bear Scotland and AMEY.
